Tuesday, March 04, 2014

It's been a rough year for the Internet. With everything from the NSA controversy, to data collection by corporations, to the repeal of Net Neutrality, we could all use a good time.

With that in mind, Giganews in partnership with Golden Frog and Data Foundry is hosting its second annual "Take Back Your Internet" party during SXSW. We'd like to invite you to join us on Sunday, March 9 in downtown Austin for an evening of networking with your fellow netizens who care as much as you do about online privacy.

As a VERY COOL added bonus, we've recruited some of the leading online privacy advocates in the world for an entertaining and informative panel discussion about the current and future state of online privacy. Various surveys indicate an overwhelming majority of people are concerned about their online privacy and are in favor of political initiatives and technical solutions that help preserve their privacy. But, is that still possible in an age of widespread Internet censorship, data collection, and mass surveillance by governments? We all leave a footprint online, but what can be done to keep it private when needed?

Our expert panel will examine the current state of online privacy in the U.S. and worldwide, the role that ISPs play in an open Internet, and the future of government policy regarding the Internet.

Privacy Panel Livestream:
If you can't make it to the event in person, you can watch the Privacy Panel online as the event will be streamed LIVE at:

We're also going to be accepting a few questions for the panelists on Twitter and our livestream page. Just Tweet us your privacy-related questions with hashtag #takebackyourinternet and include @giganews in your tweet.

PANEL DETAILS:Is There Any Online Privacy Left? What Does The Future Hold?
An expert panel on what every internet user should knowSpeakers:
Kevin Bankston - Policy Director of the New America Foundation’s Open Technology Institute
Evan Greer - Campaign Manager at Fight for the Future
Ali Sternburg - Public Policy Counsel at CCIA
Rep. Bryan Hughes of District Five in the Texas House of Representatives,
Ron Yokubaitis - Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Golden Frog, Giganews, Data Foundry and Texas.net
Panel Moderated by Stacey Higginbotham - Sr. Writer, GigaOM

We hope you can join us either in person at the event or via our Livestream. Don't forget to post comments or tweet your questions to us with hashtag #takebackyourinternet during the event.

Event Information:WHAT: Take Back Your Internet Party - 2014WHEN: Sunday, March 9, 6-10pmWHERE: The Bourbon Girl, #212 E 6th St, Austin, TX - 78701EVENT SCHEDULE:6pm Doors Open 7-8pm Expert Panel on Online Privacy8-10pm Party ContinuesDRINKS: Open Bar from 6-9.30pmCOST: No cost to you – just RSVP for the event while tickets last(Note: This is an unofficial SXSW event, and a badge is not required to attend.)